Phillips out for Wales and Ospreys for six months
In a huge blow to the Ospreys' European ambitions, Wales Grand Slam hero Mike Phillips has been sidelined for six months with knee ligament damage. Thescrum-half sustained the injury during the Ospreys' EDF Energy Cup semi-final win over Saracens last weekend.
The 25-year-old will undergo an operation next week after suffering a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament and a grade-two tear to the medial collateral ligament.
He is expected to miss the Ospreys challenge for an EDF Energy Cup and Heineken Cup double and Wales' summer tour to South Africa.
In the recent Six Nations success Phillips had established himself as Wales' No9 ahead of Dwayne Peel.
His tournament was so impressive that he was shortlisted as one of the six players of the tournament - a prize won by his Ospreys team-mate Shane Williams.
Ospreys Physio Chris Towers said: "Mike has damaged two ligaments, causing considerable laxity in the knee.
"Having seen the specialist today, the opinion is that the treatment of choice is for him is to undergo surgery to repair both ligaments in order to ensure the best functional outcome.
"The injury happened when he received an impact to the outside of his right knee. He wanted to stay on and continue playing, which is an indication that Mike is a pretty tough cookie, but it was clear that there was a problem and our worst fears have been confirmed."
Head coach Lyn Jones added: "This is very disappointing news for both Mike personally and for the Ospreys, particularly coming at a time when both his form and confidence have been high.
"We wish him well for the operation, and for a speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing him on the field in Ospreys colours again soon."
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